About
Founded
in 1827 by William Clark of Lewis & Clark fame, Paducah's origins
and prosperity can be attributed to its strategic location at the
confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. When General Clark platted the town at the northernmost point
of what is now the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, he named it in honor of
the Padouca Indians.
Focal point of Paducah's abundant architectural treasures, the 1905
Market House tells the story of a town that has survived tremendous
challenges, including the Battle of Paducah during the Civil War and the disastrous 1937 flood. The William Clark Market House Museum, located inside the Market House, provides a glimpse of Paducah's rich heritage
and colorful history.
Paducah offers visitors an incredible array of experiences. Explore the
fine art of quilting at Paducah's internationally celebrated National Quilt Museum of the United States. Enjoy interactive family fun at the River Discovery Center, a Save America's Treasures project housed in downtown Paducah's oldest standing
structure that offers state-of-the-art
exhibits highlighting the history and habitats of the Four Rivers Region. Don't miss the impressive 19th
century architecture as you visit Downtown antique shops and boutiques
or stroll the tree-lined streets of LowerTown, Paducah's oldest
neighborhood and home to the highly-acclaimed Artist Relocation Program.
Experience
the rich culture, fine dining, and eclectic accommodations that draw
thousands of visitors each year to this city.
Paducah, Kentucky was voted the
Fan Favorite of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 2011
Dozen Distinctive Destinations and has been featured in newspapers and magazines across the
country, including CNN Travel, USA Today, Travel + Leisure, the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Chicago
Tribune, St. Louis Post Dispatch, and Preservation magazine.
Recent Articles
For more information about about living, learning, playing, shopping, and working in Paducah, visit our Community Links page at paducah.travel.